Maths Word Problem Key Words Poster: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division

Help students crack the code of word problems — every time.

One of the biggest hurdles in maths word problems isn’t the calculation itself — it’s figuring out which operation the words are actually asking for. This poster solves that instantly, giving students a visual reference connecting everyday mathematical language to the four operations.

What’s Included

A clear, easy-to-read A4 poster (also perfect sized down for student maths books or homework books) broken into four quadrants:

Addition — add, plus, sum, total, altogether, combined, increase, in all, and more
Subtraction — subtract, minus, take away, difference, less than, remaining, fewer, and more
Multiplication — multiply, times, product of, groups of, lots of, double, triple, array, and more
Division — divide, divided by, quotient, share equally, split, per, average, ratio, and more

Each quadrant includes a worked example equation, simple icons, and a visual anchor to help students internalise the connection between language and operation.

Why Teachers Love It

Word problems trip students up not because they can’t calculate — but because they can’t decode the mathematical language being used. This poster gives students an instant reference point, whether they’re stuck mid-problem or building vocabulary from scratch.

Perfect For

Classroom wall display (a genuine daily-use staple, not a one-off)
A personal copy glued into student maths books
Homework book reference for support at home
Building mathematical vocabulary explicitly, not just implicitly
Supporting EAL/D learners and students who need extra scaffolding with maths terminology

A resource you’ll use every single day, in every single maths lesson.

Go deeper. Think further. — Depth Education